As we reflect on the many challenges that present themselves in our lives, what comes to mind is the 23rd Psalm, a prayer of comfort during challenging times. Specifically the sentence, “As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” As ominous as this sounds, it is a wonderful affirmation if you think about the words.
As we go through times in our life that frighten or worry us, we can always remind ourselves that there is nothing to fear. This is certainly relevant during the pandemic we are experiencing. We hear so much conflicting information, and as caseloads and deaths increase, and it can be intimidating and overwhelming.
When this happens, it is all the more important for each of us to remember that our fear doesn’t come from the situation. It comes from within, and we have the power to transmute these responses. Meditation and affirmations are great ways to do this!
For this week’s meditation, let us simply focus on safety and healing for ourselves and for our world using Psalm 23 as our inspiration. Please feel free to follow the text, or listen to the short audio meditation at the bottom of the page:
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
Psalm 23:1-6 (New International Version)
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
Metaphysical interpretation:
Natural Law (the Lord) governs (shepherds) my life and everything around me. Universal abundance provides everything I have ever needed (I shall not want).
My understanding of these laws inspires peace (green pastures) in me when I remember that all is in Divine Order. Spiritual understanding calms my emotions (still waters), and refocuses my attention on my loving nature (refreshes my soul).
The goodness in all things (his name’s sake) inspires my journey in life (guides me on the right path).
Even when times are challenging (walk through the darkest valley), I know I can trust that everything is in Divine Order and serves a valuable lesson for me (I will fear no evil). I feel safe when I follow the higher principles which guide me (rod and staff comfort me).
I partake in the abundance of love (prepare the table), and share my love willingly with everyone, even my brothers and sisters whose intentions might conflict with mine (in the presence of my enemies). I am blessed by everything in my life (anoint with oil), and I have everything I need to find my way (my cup overflows).
Divine love (goodness and love) always has and Divine love always will (will follow me for all my days) supply my every need.*
*Last paragraph adapted from Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, first published in 1875. (public domain)